2019 FrenchGP: Practices & Qualifying

[jgonzalesm6]

Forza

Let's hope for a Ferrari 1-2.

[Ferrarichamp]

what if Ferrari win the race, only to be denied by another penalty.
wouldn't surprise me :lou

[jgonzalesm6]

[AMuS}

Ricciardo will run a new Renault engine (spec3) today at Paul Ricard providing a small power gain. Hulkenberg will get the new spec at Spielberg. Renault wanted to avoid the grid penalty for Hulk at their home race

[jgonzalesm6]

The FIA are clamping down on corner cutting this weekend

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9knFpvXUAAF1GB.jpg


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9knH1lXYAAryqc.jpg

[KimiBot]

:ferrarifl

[KimiBot]

I do have a feeling that we had made progress, but how much, is it enough, we`ll see.

[KimiBot]

[AMuS}

Ricciardo will run a new Renault engine (spec3) today at Paul Ricard providing a small power gain. Hulkenberg will get the new spec at Spielberg. Renault wanted to avoid the grid penalty for Hulk at their home race

Honda has too new PU, Kvyat, Gasly and Max has it, did read that somewhere.

[jgonzalesm6]

WOW....Leclerc's front tires (red) already graining.....and he's coasting.

[KimiBot]

WOW....Leclerc's front tires (red) already graining.

and Pirelli said something like that does not need to worry about tires this weekend :-D

[jgonzalesm6]

Honda has too new PU, Kvyat, Gasly and Max has it, did read that somewhere.


He starts at the back of the grid.

[KimiBot]

maybe our new wing was not so good, and that is why tires graining so fast

[Ferrarichamp]

and Pirelli said something like that does not need to worry about tires this weekend :-D

7629

[jgonzalesm6]

maybe our new wing was not so good, and that is why tires graining so fast

seems like other teams are having issues with them too........track temp is hot.

[jgonzalesm6]

The new Spec 3 Honda power unit sees the repositioning of the wastegate pipes. Could be useful for blowing the rear wing

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9k0Gv6X4AIYIdH.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9k0PEoWsAEeIFm.jpg

[jgonzalesm6]

Mclaren running their BAT sponsor VYPE logo on the front wing end plates.

While Ferrari took off the MISSION WINNOW logo.:Hmm

[jgonzalesm6]

HAAS that a water leak has been detected on Romain Grosjean's car

[KimiBot]

maybe we have a better pace in FP2

[jgonzalesm6]

Mclaren running their BAT sponsor VYPE logo on the front wing end plates.

While Ferrari took off the MISSION WINNOW logo.:Hmm

EDIT: Mclaren not running the VYPE logo.

[nani_s23]

maybe we have a better pace in FP2

It’s the tyres...!! New surface & soft compound tyres

[Abuzar]

Vettel takes the new front wing off and slap the old one on - Ferrari still don't look entirely convinced by the new geometry

[KimiBot]

It’s the tyres...!! New surface & soft compound tyres

yes

[tifosi1993]

Leclerc was fastest in S1 (23.2), a few tenths away from Bottas in S2 (28.7), and a less than a tenth slower than Bottas in S3 (41.1).

Hamilton on the other hand was slower than Lec in S1 (23.4), a few tenths faster in S2 (28.5), and pretty much untouchable in S3 (40.6, nearly 0.4sec faster than Bottas).

Vettel currently on no-mans land, something is definitely wrong with his car. He was using the old floor in FP1, Leclerc was on the new one.

[nani_s23]

Leclerc was fastest in S1 (23.2), a few tenths away from Bottas in S2 (28.7), and a less than a tenth slower than Bottas in S3 (41.1).

Hamilton on the other hand was slower than Lec in S1 (23.4), a few tenths faster in S2 (28.5), and pretty much untouchable in S3 (40.6, nearly 0.4sec faster than Bottas).

Vettel currently on no-mans land, something is definitely wrong with his car. He was using the old floor in FP1, Leclerc was on the new one.

Vettel with new FW, struggling with tyres & front end grip.
Lec with old FW, struggling with tyre graining issues.

May the track temp, new surface & combined with tyres.

[Jax]

Can someone please provide the fastest sector times for each of the top 6 ?

[chinmay]

Forza

Let's hope for a Ferrari 1-2.

You misspelt 4-5.

[jgonzalesm6]

Vettel with new FW, struggling with tyres & front end grip.
Lec with old FW, struggling with tyre graining issues.

May the track temp, new surface & combined with tyres.

Vettel--> new floor too......fyi

[stefa]

You misspelt 4-5.
:lol

[tifosi1993]

Vettel--> new floor too......fyi

Gene said Vettel was testing the old aero....so your info is wrong.

[jgonzalesm6]

Gene said Vettel was testing the old aero....so your info is wrong.


my bad....Leclerc with a new floor.

[Louisa Fortuna]

Leclerc was fastest in S1 (23.2), a few tenths away from Bottas in S2 (28.7), and a less than a tenth slower than Bottas in S3 (41.1).

Hamilton on the other hand was slower than Lec in S1 (23.4), a few tenths faster in S2 (28.5), and pretty much untouchable in S3 (40.6, nearly 0.4sec faster than Bottas).

Vettel currently on no-mans land, something is definitely wrong with his car. He was using the old floor in FP1, Leclerc was on the new one.
The car is good, Leclerc did solid with the car.

[Louisa Fortuna]

You misspelt 4-5.

Try to be positive mate, negativity is what we need less.

[jgonzalesm6]

The Canadian Right of Review hearing has begun. All of the #CanadianGP stewards will be present - Emanuele Pirro, Gerd Ennser and Mathieu Remmerie in person and local steward Mike Kaerne via a video link. Laurent Mekies will represent Scuderia Ferrari


Mekies and the FIA.....decision time expected sometime soon.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9laS1VWsAILrCB.jpg

[Giallo 550]

P2 Stream: https://f1livegp.net/f1/live.html

[paolo lalli]

Pathetic fia you would think the world's future is in the balance just do it you bunch of indecisive creatures.

[chinmay]

As per rumors, Ferrari have found 3 tenths by a single mapping change.

[KimiBot]

As per rumors, Ferrari have found 3 tenths by a single mapping change.

Sky Ted was talking about that FP1, hopefully true

[tifosi1993]

Bottas 40.204 in S3, Hamilton 40.286, Verstappen 40.766 (:roll). That Merc will eat everyone alive in S3...

[RicRac]

so tired of these sky pundits... Literally would only keep Brundle, the rest are so far up Merc's **** its ridiculous. We need a more diverse panel of pundits (no, british indian doesnt count)... I mean its not just british people who watch F1 in English

[tifosi1993]

0.8sec slower..yikes

[nani_s23]

Guys be ready for PSI changes come quali.
Every driver is struggling with lack of grip.

[nani_s23]

0.8sec slower..yikes


To me they aren’t pushing yet

[tifosi1993]

Bottas vs Leclerc vs Vettel (best sectors)

Sector 1: 22.593 vs 22.662 vs 22.947

Sector 2: 28.063 vs 28.122 vs 28.120

Sector 3: 40.137 vs 40.755 vs 40.598

Max's sectors (was hindered by Ham in S3): 22.578 in sector 1, 28.436 in sector 2

No clean lap from Hamilton.

[tifosi1993]

To me they aren’t pushing yet

I don't think "pushing" is the right word, they're simply getting slaughtered by the Merc W10 in S3

[jgonzalesm6]

Hamilton rejoining the track in an unsafe manner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where's the penalty??? :-D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9lw0pWW4AE_HJJ.jpg

[KimiBot]

I don't think "pushing" is the right word, they're simply getting slaughtered by the Merc W10 in S3

yes, but we are much better than FP1, maybe FP3 even better, we`ll see

[tifosi1993]

Hamilton rejoining the track in an unsafe manner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where's the penalty??? :-D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9lw0pWW4AE_HJJ.jpg

He waved is hand, so all is good!

[nani_s23]

Hamilton rejoining the track in an unsafe manner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where's the penalty??? :-D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9lw0pWW4AE_HJJ.jpg

Under investigation now...!!

[nani_s23]

yes, but we are much better than FP1, maybe FP3 even better, we`ll see

Yeah that’s wt I mean.

[RicRac]

Anyone with a video of the incident?

[Cevertmyhero]

Under investigation now...!!

Penalties don't apply to Merc or Lewis, so no.

[KimiBot]

Penalties don't apply to Merc or Lewis, so no.

I do believe that he will get penalty, maybe 3 places down on grid.

[jgonzalesm6]

Anyone with a video of the incident?



https://twitter.com/Planet_F1/status/1142069932844343298

[tifosi1993]

Our long run pace looks horrible. Max is faster than both Ferrari's, all of them on softs.

Merc on different planet...

[Schumir9]

Our long run pace looks horrible. Max is faster than both Ferrari's, all of them on softs.

Merc on different planet...


Track not suited to low drag cars. Don't expect ferrari to pull out a surprise this weekend just consolidate on a few positive notes from Canada and build towards the next few races. Hopefully Hamilton starts the race on the back foot with a penalty.

[tifosi1993]

Vettel's first lap on medium: 1m36.157

Bottas on his 10th lap on medium, last lap: 1:35.827, and the lap before 1m35.522

[RicRac]

Dead in the water

[WS6TransAm01]

Merc 1-2 by 30 seconds come Sunday afternoon....

[jgonzalesm6]

Even the grass is greener at Mercedes..............jeeeez.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXoAApgSc.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXsAAPV8C.jpg

[jgonzalesm6]

Penalties don't apply to Merc or Lewis, so no.


I do believe that he will get penalty, maybe 3 places down on grid.

Kravitz responded in that since it's FP a reprimand looks likely. Had it been Quali or Race, then a severe penalty would apply.

[Giallo 550]

Even the grass is greener at Mercedes..............jeeeez.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXoAApgSc.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXsAAPV8C.jpg

Nice metaphor for F1.

[tifosi1993]

Last lap

Hamilton 1m35.246
Bottas 1m35.655
Vettel 1m36.976
Max 1m36.387

All on medium tyres...this is going to be a slaughter...

[tifosi1993]

Leclerc's first lap on mediums: 1m36.307,

Last lap Hamilton: 1m35.514, but his tyres are 6 laps older

[Rishu]

Kravitz responded in that since it's FP a reprimand looks likely. Had it been Quali or Race, then a severe penalty would apply.

That’s not how it works in PlayStation

[paolo lalli]

F I A dismiss appeal.

[Ferrari312T4]

F I A dismiss appeal.

I didn't expect anything different and the examination of Lewis today is probably also a dud...

[jgonzalesm6]

F I A dismiss appeal.
Yep, so no change in the Lewis-Vettel incident.

[DelMar]

That’s not how it works in PlayStation
Verstappen will be reprimended due to blatant attempt to use the track in the close vicinity of Hamilton.

[Ferrarichamp]

Kravitz responded in that since it's LH a reprimand looks likely. Had it been Seb or Charles, then a severe penalty would apply.

corrected :-D

[nani_s23]

Verstappen will be reprimended due to blatant attempt to use the track in the close vicinity of Hamilton.

:rotfl

Whoever comes close to Ham, they are definitely in hot seat.

[nani_s23]

Ham was given just a reprimand for the incident in FP2:rotfl

[stefa]

Even the grass is greener at Mercedes..............jeeeez.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXoAApgSc.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9l11AJXsAAPV8C.jpg

:rotfl

[stefa]

Ham was given just a reprimand for the incident in FP2:rotfl

Like we ware expecting anything else!?

[ferrari1.8t]

Ham was given just a reprimand for the incident in FP2:rotfl

Keep laughing, what a disgrace this sport is. Disgusting farce.

-sky’s reporting “he obviously didn’t see him, and he waved sorry, so it’s ok” let’s all kiss Hamilton’s rear and make sure he has another “flawless” weekend. So sick. This sport is not good for my health, I’m out.

[nani_s23]

Like we ware expecting anything else!?

Sorry my correction. Not even a reprimand given to Lewis :rotfl

[nani_s23]

Like we ware expecting anything else!?

Sorry my correction. Not even a reprimand given to Lewis :rotfl

[Ferrari312T4]

2011, Spain, Hamilton sets personal best time in sector two during the race while yellow flags are displayed. Result:Reprimand. 2017 Belgian GP, Kimi gets a 10 second stop and go for something similar. How is there no bias towards Mercedes?

[JPZ]

2011, Spain, Hamilton sets personal best time in sector two during the race while yellow flags are displayed. Result:Reprimand. 2017 Belgian GP, Kimi gets a 10 second stop and go for something similar. How is there no bias towards Mercedes?

The bias and favouritism is so overwhelmingly blatant now.

Hopefully there are still other ways for Ferrari to challenge the 'decision'

I wish Ferrari would leave F1 and form a rival championship as they have threatened to do before.

[Ferrari312T4]

The thing is when it comes to Lewis often times they issue a reprimand to him. Whenever it's a Ferrari be sure to swallow a Penalty and keeping your fingers crossed for it not being too severe....

[tifosi1993]

Today's practice session was depressing to say the least. I hope the team is holding something back and will turn it around, because if not then I don't see any point turning up for sunday's race. I've had enough of seeing a Mercedes driver at the top step of the podium.

[Rob]

An evaluation day

Le Castellet, 21 June 2019 – It was a very busy free practice Friday for Scuderia Ferrari in preparation for the French Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel worked on evaluating various updates brought to the Le Castellet circuit, as well as getting on with the usual qualifying and race preparation.

FP1. In the first session, the two SF90s took to the track for a few laps before pitting to have fitted some new components introduced for the French race. Charles and Sebastian then returned on track running just the Soft tyres, doing 21 and 22 laps respectively. The man from Monaco had a best lap of 1.33.111, which put him third, while the German was fifth in 1’33”790.

FP2. At the start of the afternoon session, Sebastian went out first on Medium then on Soft tyres while Charles ran the Medium compound. Both men then did some low fuel runs during which they set their fastest lap times. The number 16 SF90 stopped the clocks in 1.31.586, while in car number 5, Sebastian did a 1.31.665. In the second half of the session they also did some high fuel load runs to simulate some sections of the race, while assessing the behaviour of the car and tyres when track temperatures were in excess of 50 degrees.

Programme. The final free practice session starts at noon tomorrow, while qualifying gets underway at 3 pm. The 60th French Grand Prix begins on Sunday at 15.10.

Charles Leclerc #16
“I am generally happy with how our sessions went today. The feeling in the car was good and we tested some new parts. We are confident but we still have a lot of work ahead of us to put the car in the best condition for a strong qualifying.
Our competitors are strong and we must focus on ourselves to really put everything together for tomorrow. It was fun to drive on this circuit again. It is a bit of a different track to the others because the walls are so far away that you can push and try more during practice. I look forward to being back in the car tomorrow morning.”

Sebastian Vettel #5
”I would say we have a lot of work ahead of us since not all the new parts we have here performed exactly as expected. I think we have a lot of data to analyze overnight, to possibly have a bit better performance tomorrow. On the Canada matter I would say we felt that we didn’t share the opinion of the stewards during the race in Canada and we thought that we could bring something new. It is disappointing that the matter is not going any further but that is what we have now and so we have to move on.”

[Ferrari312T4]

Sebastian Vettel #5
”I would say we have a lot of work ahead of us since not all the new parts we have here performed exactly as expected.

That's good news! It seems the correlation with our windtunnel seems to work.

[PURE PASSION]

Sebastian Vettel #5
”I would say we have a lot of work ahead of us since not all the new parts we have here performed exactly as expected.

That's good news! It seems the correlation with our windtunnel seems to work.

????????????
To me ,its the exact opposite.
He said that the parts DIDN'T work US EXPECTED. So they saw something else in the tunnel/simulator and dint see that today on the track !!!!

[Ferrari312T4]

????????????
To me ,its the exact opposite.
He said that the parts DIDN'T work US EXPECTED. So they saw something else in the tunnel/simulator and dint see that today on the track !!!!

Oops you are right. Damn I was too hopeful i suppose.

[KimiBot]

Charles Leclerc #16
“I am generally happy with how our sessions went today. The feeling in the car was good and we tested some new parts. We are confident but we still have a lot of work ahead of us to put the car in the best condition for a strong qualifying.
Our competitors are strong and we must focus on ourselves to really put everything together for tomorrow. ”



Great attitude.

[ferrari1.8t]

The bias and favouritism is so overwhelmingly blatant now.

Hopefully there are still other ways for Ferrari to challenge the 'decision'

I wish Ferrari would leave F1 and form a rival championship as they have threatened to do before.


The thing is when it comes to Lewis often times they issue a reprimand to him. Whenever it's a Ferrari be sure to swallow a Penalty and keeping your fingers crossed for it not being too severe....

It’s sad really, and I agree that Ferrari should leave F1. There is nothing left to say.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/hamilton-not-my-intention-to-block-verstappen/

Hamilton: Not my intention to block Verstappen

But it was Vettel’s intention to block the princess I guess. The bias is real.

[ferrari1.8t]

Great attitude.


x2. I really like Leclerc’s demeanour and maturity.

[KimiBot]

hard wind looks like, and sunny

[KimiBot]

I cannot believe that Seb is only 62 points behind Hamilton.

[jgonzalesm6]

Ferrari have opted to do away with there new floor and diffuser and opted to keep the new front wing configuration and rear wing.

[jgonzalesm6]

Jean Alesi in the house

[KimiBot]

looks better today, much closer, have to wait, last 10 minutes, then we`ll see

[tifosi1993]

Time in Sector 3 looks good (relative to yesterday)

Bottas 40.079, Hamilton 40.122, Leclerc 40.298, Vettel 40.398

Other 2 sectors:

Sector 1: Bottas 22.608, Leclerc 22.652, Hamilton 22.688, Vettel 22.920

Sector 2: Leclerc 28.026, Vettel 28.159, Hamilton 28.165, Bottas 28.166

[jgonzalesm6]

{AMuS}

The silver arrows kill the competition in the third sector. Because they are the only ones who keep their tyres in the window through the first two sectors and then have enough grip in the final section.

[nani_s23]

Time in Sector 3 looks good (relative to yesterday)

Bottas 40.079, Hamilton 40.122, Leclerc 40.298, Vettel 40.398

Other 2 sectors:

Sector 1: Bottas 22.608, Leclerc 22.652, Hamilton 22.688, Vettel 22.920

Sector 2: Leclerc 28.026, Vettel 28.159, Hamilton 28.165, Bottas 28.166

Vettel 22.9 isn’t representative i think. When Lec is 22.6 n even mercs. Vettel loosing .3ths alone in S1 doesn’t seem to be representative

[KimiBot]

Time in Sector 3 looks good (relative to yesterday)

Bottas 40.079, Hamilton 40.122, Leclerc 40.298, Vettel 40.398

Other 2 sectors:

Sector 1: Bottas 22.608, Leclerc 22.652, Hamilton 22.688, Vettel 22.920

Sector 2: Leclerc 28.026, Vettel 28.159, Hamilton 28.165, Bottas 28.166

It takes some time to fine tune car when they get new parts, so, it has been good progress this weekend so far, hopefully it is enough to beat Mercs.

[Golfsmith]

The silver arrows kill the competition in the third sector. Because they are the only ones who keep their tyres in the window through the first two sectors and then have enough grip in the final section.
Merelli tyres work for them and not for the rest.

[nani_s23]

It takes some time to fine tune car when they get new parts, so, it has been good progress this weekend so far, hopefully it is enough to beat Mercs.

Yeah it’s enough yet.

[KimiBot]

Yeah it’s enough yet.

Yeah looks like so atm

[nani_s23]

I see similar to Barcelona quali for ferrari.
Ferrari still has same issue in S3.

[paolo lalli]

Sorry guys but it looks like it will be a mercedes front row lockout but any thing can happen on race day Bottas is the man to beat.last sector ahhh.

[tifosi1993]

Lost all the time in sector 3, as expected

Bottas 39.700, Hamilton 39.754, Vettel 40.083, Leclerc 40.166

Other 2 sectors:

Sector 1: Leclerc 22.346, Bottas 22.434, Hamilton 22.438, Vettel 22.638

Sector 2: Vettel 27.846, Hamilton 27.914, Bottas 28.025, Leclerc 28.026

Ultimate lap time: Mercedes 1m30.048, Ferrari 1m30.275

[KimiBot]

https://www.formula1.com/content/dam/fom-website/2018-redesign-assets/Circuit%20maps%2016x9/France_Circuit.png.transform/8col-retina/image.png

[nani_s23]

Mclaren almost matched RB lap time

[nani_s23]

Except mercs all other teams are struggling in S3, I mean with tyres

[KimiBot]

this is a long track, so we are not so much behind, just some small thing and we are even or ahead

[jgonzalesm6]

Mclaren almost matched RB lap time

New front suspension setup. They're replicating Mercedes push-rod setup.

Norris did over 900 laps in the sim on this track.

[bondilad]

Sadly merc looks like out of reach for us. I just hope Ferrari doesn't destroy leclarcs race to let vettel get P3 (if he manages to outqualify seb).

[Grinsomx]

Sadly merc looks like out of reach for us. I just hope Ferrari doesn't destroy leclarcs race to let vettel get P3 (if he manages to outqualify seb).

why would ferrari hire a driver and then sabotage him on purpose?
you really give Vettel too much credit if you think he has that much power within the team.

Ferrari have messed up more than enough, so much that we could start hoping it's a deliberate act and not another show of incompetence.
The facepalm mistakes we have seen are not planned, sadly, they are genuine mistakes of a team in trouble.

[Louisa Fortuna]

Merc 1-2 by 30 seconds come Sunday afternoon....

I think next season we will be strong, the team knows what went wrong this season. Next season will be good i am positive of.

[nani_s23]

#AMuS Binotto: In the first two sectors, the tyres wear out so much that there is less rubber on them. This means less temperature inside the tyre. This makes the car slip more, you lose even more rubber and the temperature goes even lower. Understeer is getting worse and worse"

#AMuS When Ferrari, RB and the other teams (except Merc) arrive in S3, the surface of the tyres is already too hot and the mantle too cold. Then the rubber peels from the tread of the softest tyre compound. This is called graining. This mainly affects the front tyre.

#AMuS Renault Cyril Abiteboul rants about the tyres: "You spend millions on an upgrade and then you don't bring the tyres into the window. It's like a lottery. When we get to the S3 with the soft tyres, the surface of the tyres is too hot. We just slide around."


#AMuS Helmut Marko: Now the others are realizing what we've been saying for a long time. We are fully in the hands of Pirelli. I asked GIO what kind of upgrades the Alfa has that it is suddenly so fast. He told me that he was only fast because they hit the tyre window


#FrenchGP

[FerrariF60]

I think next season we will be strong, the team knows what went wrong this season. Next season will be good i am positive of.

isn't that teh story every year with Ferrari.....next year, next year, next......just like a broken record player.....i'm still yet to find that "next year" pace ferrari will bring.....maybe 2029....if we're lucky

[nani_s23]

#AMuS Mario Isola partly blames the new asphalt patches in the first sector: The surface is particularly smooth. This makes the cars slip more. And that makes the surface temperature go up. If you arrive in S3 with tyres that are too hot, you have a problem.

They don’t blame themselves .... either it’s the track or they blame other teams incompetence.

[vcs316]

#AMUS: Binotto: "We are doing well in the first two sectors, but we are suffering in the third part of the track, a bit like in Barcelona. But we can do more. How much more, that might only be shown in qualifying."
#AMUS: Binotto also cleared up rumours that the data from the wind tunnel, simulator and race track do not match and therefore cause problems. "That's not true. There aren't such correlation problems and if there had been, we would have solved it a long ago."
#AMUS: In regards to the parts (new floor) that will be not on the car this weekend, Binotto said: "It's not because they are a failure, but because we believe that we need more kilometers to understand them better."

[f412]

why vettels laptime this slow. he is running different setup?

[vcs316]

As Ferrari seeks to determine the root cause of its continued deficit to Mercedes, the Italian team introducing an engine upgrade earlier than planned while admitting that there is no short-term solution to the SF90's core issues, team boss, Mattia Binotto has dismissed talk of the team discovering a correlation issue between data from its wind-tunnel and its cfd (computer fluid dynamics) figures.

"I've heard and I've read that point and it is not true at all," Binotto told reporters. "We do not have correlation issues.

"I would say that if that would have been the case then we would have solved part of the performance problems," he added, "but it is not a correlation issue. So what I read does not correspond to the true situation."

While the team remains unclear in terms of the upgrades it brought to France, ditching the new floor for the old one, Sebastian Vettel insists the title is not lost, setting Silverstone - where Ferrari scored a surprise win last year - as the deadline by which time it must be able to take on Mercedes.

"Obviously each team is developing their own car," said Binotto, "and you don't know by race ten where the others will be.

"We are continuously understanding better our car, and we have got some ideas," he continued. "But it is difficult to judge if race ten will be the point. But we have seen, as in Canada, that even the races on the circuit are different. So we may expect even better circuits for us in the next races.

"On top of that, we know that we need to develop and improve the car and there are still a few races, but not much. I think we will have something on the car that is at least addressing part of the situation."

However, he dismissed talk that there would be one significant upgrade.

"We are not working on a B-car," he said. "We are continuously developing the car in the wind tunnel and the simulator, back at the design office and simulator. Whatever they may find that is an improvement, we will try to bring it to the track. There is no need or necessity to wait for a big package but more important to try to close the gap as soon as possible, even if it is a progressive development."

Referring to the new parts tried on Friday, he admitted: "The data we got is matching with what we were expecting, so in that respect we are happy.

"That is the reason why at least we are keeping some of the components on the car," he added. "We know it is not sufficient for what we are looking for, but as I said, it was important for us to understand at least the direction and we got relevant data for that."

[nani_s23]

#AMuS Why does Mercedes have not tyre problems? The car certainly has more downforce than the competition. But is that all? Obviously the car also generates better mechanical grip and continuously keeps the tyre temperatures in the window thanks to a clever rim heater.

#AMuS We hear that Mercedes drives with less wheel camber than the others. You have to be able to afford that. The rivals almost all go to the limit of what Pirelli says. To heat up the tyres faster. Disadvantage: This reduces the contact surface of the tyre with the track.

[bondilad]

why would ferrari hire a driver and then sabotage him on purpose?
you really give Vettel too much credit if you think he has that much power within the team.

Ferrari have messed up more than enough, so much that we could start hoping it's a deliberate act and not another show of incompetence.
The facepalm mistakes we have seen are not planned, sadly, they are genuine mistakes of a team in trouble.

Not saying he has so much power, but Ferrari did say they would prioritize Seb. We don't have the luxury of having the fastest car. So this has to stop.

[KimiBot]

Here we go!!!

[tifosi1993]

Sector 1: Hamilton 22.329 (abandoned lap), Bottas 22.576, Leclerc 22.623, Vettel 22.716

Sector 2: Leclerc 27.967, Bottas 27.998, Vettel 28.029, Hamilton 28.124

Sector 3: Bottas 39.976, Hamilton 39.982, Leclerc 40.057, Vettel 40.330

[Christopher]

Yikes that was close for Max

[IulianFerrari]

I'm afraid Mercs will pull stunning laps in q3 and Charles will not be able to keep up. Seb needs to get closer to his teammate.

[tifosi1993]

Vettel definitely needs another lap, maybe Leclerc too...

[tifosi1993]

Fp2 sectors (medium tyres)

Sector 1: Bot 22.229, Lec 22.326, Ham 22.334, Ver 22.392, Vet 22.545

Sector 2: Ham 27.580, Bot 27.658, Vet 27.627, Ver 27.785, Lec 27.803

Sector 3: Bot 39.483, Lec 39.551, Ham 39.606, Vet 39.792, Ver 39.911

[stefa]

Just tuned in. Nothing new... Same old story....

[KimiBot]

Just tuned in. Nothing new... Same old story....

It`s tight

[DelMar]

Does anyone know this weekend's mapping for the tires? Hard, Medium, Soft to C1-C5 ?

[IulianFerrari]

It`s tight

Between Hamilton and Bottas

[tifosi1993]

Great job from Gio :thumb

He is finally delivering.

[bondilad]

So we are starting on soft or medium ?

[KimiBot]

Great job from Gio :thumb

He is finally delivering.

Yes

[nani_s23]

Both Ferrari’s will start on Soft Compound tyres ??

[Jax]

So we are starting on soft or medium ?
mediums

[tifosi1993]

So we are starting on soft or medium ?

medium

[nani_s23]

medium

Then those times are impressive

[bondilad]

Thanks....:thumb

[Jax]

Both Ferrari’s will start on Soft Compound tyres ??

no , seb set his best time on mediums, - 270 on merces second sector , + 270 3rd and equal in 1st

[stefa]

It`s tight

Tight!!? +0,5!!!

[tifosi1993]

Ferrari losing time in Sector 1, not sure what's going on here. We pretty good in Sector 3, and fastest in Sector 2, but lost 3 tenths in Sector 1

[KimiBot]

Tight!!? +0,5!!!

it was 0.003 when you wrote what you wrote

[stefa]

it was 0.003 when you wrote what you wrote

But that was Q2, when Mercedes did not push!

[KimiBot]

But that was Q2, when Mercedes did not push!

all right man, relax and enjoy F1

[stefa]

all right man, relax and enjoy F1

I am relaxed, but I am not enjoying this so called F1

[tifosi1993]

P3 for Charles, poor qualifying from Vettel, P7

[stefa]

Another disaster. I will not bother to waste my time tomorrow on another Mercedea 1-2.

[KimiBot]

P3 for Charles, poor qualifying from Vettel, P7

yeah, big mistake somewhere for sure

[h3ro]

7th for Seb.

I wonder what these electric/upshift issues were.

[Jax]

LOl even mother nature is against us .... after first runs wind changed direction and was blowing on the straits ... hence no one was able to set faster times in the first sector

[tifosi1993]

yeah, big mistake somewhere for sure

Or gearbox issue.

[Ferrarichamp]

Seb beaten by Mclaren :-E

[chinmay]

7th for Seb.

I wonder what these electric/upshift issues were.

Looks like gearbox issue, 5 place grid penalty incoming.

[KimiBot]

Or gearbox issue.

Really?

[h3ro]

I am relaxed, but I am not enjoying this so called F1

I feel as if Mercedes fans enjoy these era of F1 in a similar way us Tifoso enjoyed the Michael/Brawn era and how RB fans enjoyed Seb's RB run. Things are fun when you're rooting interest is on top. Ferrari will bounce back.

[chinmay]

At least Ferrari's aero mapping worked. Yesterday, it was said that Ferrari found 3 tenths justs by that change and it was proved today. On a track similar to Barcelona, Ferrari was less than 7 tenths slower than Mercedes so very well done.

[tifosi1993]

Really?

Just a hunch. Getting outqualify by Mclaren is not a normal result for us.

Edit: Not gearbox issue, simply poor effort from Vettel.

[nani_s23]

Just a hunch. Getting outqualify by Mclaren is not a normal result for us.

Yeah....

[nani_s23]

Or gearbox issue.

Yeah upshift issue he was reporting. Possible of hydraulic issue

[Ferrarichamp]

Rough time for Seb, wins in Canada only to be denied by a fabricated penalty, now this...

[Ferrarichamp]

So it seems the best we can hope for here is a podium for Charles.

[FerrariF60]

So it seems the best we can hope for here is a podium for Charles.

yup looks like it;;;;;;; i'm afraid the season was OVER for us before it even started....our car is $%^$ and by the looks of it with our downgrades will be %$#@ for the rest of the season

[doublesixes]

With a car at least half a second faster in any circuit as an average and a driver of Lewis' quality, the championship as been signed, sealed and delivered.

[Louisa Fortuna]

I feel as if Mercedes fans enjoy these era of F1 in a similar way us Tifoso enjoyed the Michael/Brawn era and how RB fans enjoyed Seb's RB run. Things are fun when you're rooting interest is on top. Ferrari will bounce back.

Stay positive mate. Next year will be better for us i am sure of, the team knows what went wrong but you can't just fix such an issue. Next year will be way better!

[Liscia]

VERY hard to be positive and probably won't watch tomorrow. I feel bad for our team, Charles especially.

[JPZ]

I remember in 1997 and 1998 when Schumacher regularly used to qualify behind, starting fifth on the grid was not rare, and he was still able to win.

Hopefully Leclerc and Vettel can get a good start.

[Kyss4k]

Stay positive mate. Next year will be better for us i am sure of, the team knows what went wrong but you can't just fix such an issue. Next year will be way better!

lol

[Louisa Fortuna]

VERY hard to be positive and probably won't watch tomorrow. I feel bad for our team, Charles especially.

Loyalty mate, the team doesn't have it easy but stand behind the team for as long as needed. #Loyalty

[Louisa Fortuna]

lol

lol what ?

[nani_s23]

I remember in 1997 and 1998 when Schumacher regularly used to qualify behind, starting fifth on the grid was not rare, and he was still able to win.

Hopefully Leclerc and Vettel can get a good start.

During that period ferrari had good race pace & strategy was also key point where ferrari were spot on during those days.
Currently we lack strategy calls, car & especially tyres.

[stefa]

Stay positive mate. Next year will be better for us i am sure of, the team knows what went wrong but you can't just fix such an issue. Next year will be way better!

When is next year, one is asking since 2009...?

[nani_s23]

Apparently Vettel had power unit issues in qualifying today

"Vettel paid for a drop in power on the six-cylinder engine, but he preferred not to talk to the journalists about it, merely pointing out a lack of feeling with the car."

[Cevertmyhero]

I'm sad to say that I think there is no point watching the race tomorrow, it's going to be a slaughter and the mercs are going to be 20 secs down the road in 20-25 laps. I think we'll struggle to fight even the bulls :(

Also I get the feeling that seb is close to leaving F1, I really don't think his heart is in it anymore.

[JPZ]

During that period ferrari had good race pace & strategy was also key point where ferrari were spot on during those days.
Currently we lack strategy calls, car & especially tyres.

Yes, I know, but if Leclerc can get a good start, then there may be a chance...

[wisepie]

The lack of posts on this thread just proves that it's not only Seb who is losing patience with this fabricated version of F1 and I wouldn't be surprised if he does quit F1 for his own sanity. It is soul-destroying enough that no-one can smash this Merc dominance, I am not convinced that they aren't bending the rules somehow and the tyre issue is now being raised by all the other teams. Seb had a rubbish quali and I hope there is no gearbox problem, Charles did all he could but fighting a losing battle is no fun for the drivers or us. And Mclaren in front of a Ferrari brings back nightmares for me. Good to see GIO in the top 10, that and Charles kept me from doing myself an injury.:-E

[nani_s23]

Well done Charles..!! Good quali for him & imp too.
There was a team dedicated to him from ferrari on how to go prep for q3. It paid dividends for him.

[jgonzalesm6]

Max is gonna fight Leclerc for the 3rd place podium finish.

The Merc's he says are too fast on this track.

[Rob]

Charles Leclerc #16
“It has been a good weekend so far and I have felt comfortable in the car since FP1. For the past few weeks, my main target has been improving the car set up in order to suit the track evolution from Q1 to Q3. From this point of view, I am satisfied with my personal performance and have definitely made a step forward.
On the other hand, we are not where we should be, relative to our competitors in terms of lap times. We have a lot of work to do and I will push to have a good start in order to challenge them during the race tomorrow.”

Sebastian Vettel #5
“It was a bit of a funny session, as I didn’t get a consistent feel for the car and didn’t extract the maximum out of it, so I can’t be happy with that. On the last lap I just didn’t have the same feeling as during other parts of the session and that’s why we didn’t qualify where we should be. The car was better than where we ended up.
On the other hand, I am looking forward to tomorrow. It will be difficult to manage the tyres, but in the race, usually things settle down so it’s much more straightforward and should be more consistent, so let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

Mattia Binotto Team Principal
“We knew before coming here that this weekend would be more difficult than usual for us. Nevertheless, I think that compared to the Spanish Grand Prix, we have made a small step in the right direction, which is what we were looking to do.
Sebastian was not happy with his tyres in Q3. However, tomorrow’s race will be long, as are the straights, so there should be plenty of opportunities to move up the order.”

[Rob]

so glad not going to be home to watch a Merc 1-2.

hope not but cannt see anything other.

[Brembo]

It's all about who's on the podium each race. Knowing 1st place is taken ; 4th should be considered coming in 3rd! :rotfl Charles for sure is giving Ferrari fans something to watch !

[nani_s23]

Even 1st place is sealed who has the strongest car along with favoured tyres. People still watch due to ferrari most of them.
Not who drives the car. It’s the brand which has rich history. Not like energy drink company & taxi car :rotfl.

[nani_s23]

Mercedes advantage against Ferrari is bigger on softs than on medium. Mercedes engineers said that Seb's Q2 lap was on their level. Seb also admitted that his Q2 lap wasn't even a real push lap since he tried to save the tyres for the race.

@Amus


"In Q2, Ferrari was 0.9s faster on the straights than Mercedes while in Q3 there were practically no differences between them on the straights. Ferrari believes it had something to do with the changed wind direction (wind blew in the face of the cars on the Mistral straight)"

The medium tyres are more robust. The tread does not move as much.

Vettel explains: "Mercedes simply has more downforce. When they arrive in S3, their tyres continue to have more grip than ours. The softer the tyres get, the bigger the gap to them."

[jgonzalesm6]

The actual race will be for 3rd place.....Leclerc, Max, and possibly Norris. Vettel to bring up the rear.

Let's see how the pit strat goes for Leclerc.

[Brembo]

Even 1st place is sealed who has the strongest car along with favoured tyres. People still watch due to ferrari most of them.
Not who drives the car. It’s the brand which has rich history. Not like energy drink company & taxi car :rotfl.

:rotfl So fans will be happy with Lewis and Max @ Ferrari together winning WDC, WCC . It's the brand that wins not the drivers. Oh ! :rotfl And the tires count more than who's driving.

[paolo lalli]

Racing fans will always watch f1 whilst Ferrari race.Mercedes are winning yes but they are not f1.

[nani_s23]

:rotfl So fans will be happy with Lewis and Max @ Ferrari together winning WDC, WCC . It's the brand that wins not the drivers. Oh ! :rotfl And the tires count more than who's driving.

Lewis & Max together .... hilarious :rotfl
You seem to be expecting a lot more than Ham himself doesn’t think to team with max or vice versa.
Forgot Abu Dhabi Radio 2016?:rotfl

[paolo lalli]

I guess there is not much to talk about without repeating the same old discussions on the forum.I guess that silence can be a good thing also it is a time to heal yes we are a battered group but the wounds will heal.

[chinmay]

It's a shame that Vettel faced issues in Q3 otherwise he could have sneaked onto the front row. As Mercedes said, his Q2 lap on Mediums was as good as theirs, only Bottas was faster. And Vettel also later mentioned that on some laps, he had really good feeling, that Q2 lap was what Vettel was referring to. That lap was also 2 tenths faster than Leclerc's.

In Q3, Leclerc was 3 and a half tenths slower than 2nd placed Bottas, Vettel could have come very close to beating Bottas' time.

That would also mean Vettel within half a second of Mercedes on a track which Binotto said is similar to Barcelona, also coupled with the fact that the new bits brought here only provided the direction for future, things are starting to look a bit sunny. Maybe Binotto can quickly solve those issues and after summer break, Ferrari can regularly fight Mercedes for pole positions.

[KimiBot]

That would also mean Vettel within half a second of Mercedes on a track which Binotto said is similar to Barcelona, also coupled with the fact that the new bits brought here only provided the direction for future, things are starting to look a bit sunny. Maybe Binotto can quickly solve those issues and after summer break, Ferrari can regularly fight Mercedes for pole positions.


I agree, we are on the right direction now.

[Brembo]

Seb needs to go on his honeymoon and come back a new man !!

[wisepie]

Seb needs to go on his honeymoon and come back a new man !!

Perhaps you have a point, Brembo, I expect you'd like him to come with Max!!!;-)

[Brembo]

Wisepie; I don't want Charles going anywhere but into the #1 seat @ Ferrar1 . I can only imagine the points on top of points these two , Charles , Max would bring to Ferrari! Meanwhile there's allot more 2019 to go, lets hope Seb, Charles combo wakes up!

[nani_s23]

Seb needs to go on his honeymoon and come back a new man !!

Max doesn’t have that chance yet

[Brembo]

Max doesn’t have that chance yet

He's 21, there's plenty of time for a honeymoon! Max just needs to find the right girl fan ! I mean girlfriend.:rotfl I don't mean to be irritating. I just don't want to bring up tires and such.

[nani_s23]

If he has enough tires he will go long. :rotfl

Already in last race he’s kept complaining abt them :rotfl